Miserablism

The Pursuit of Happiness

17 February 2007

COMMONWEALTH TRASH

Seventeen days ago, I sent an email to the newly elected Boston City Council President, Maureen Feeney, requesting clarification of her statements made during an interview on a local television show. (My original post is here). The interview focused solely on the City Council's recent initiative to use new methods to coerce "trash violators" into paying overdue fines and to clean up what they consider to be unsightly and unhealthy garbage.

Two of the new methods give the Council the authority to confiscate private property and shame overdue payees via a website listing naming the "trash offenders".
My main concern with these new methods revolves around the expense and cost to all Boston residents as well as to the draconian method in which such fines a levied in this city. I also called out a specific moment when Councilwoman Feeney and her interviewer, Emily Rooney, seemed to agree that the fines, which range from $25 to $100 for a first time offender, are modest, and both women suggested that anyone could afford to pay them.

I still have not received any word from the Councilwoman on this issue. So, I have decided to put her hypotheses to the test, and see if I can shame Ms. Feeney into responding to one of the common electorate. I am still hoping for an answer to my request. I am sure the Council President is busy. So am I. However, in the private sector, where most of us must earn our money without looting it from taxpayers, I would lose business if I responded to my customers the way the current Council President seems to respond to the very people who finance her position.